Univision Hurricane Katrina Fundraiser.

Univision Communications Inc. partnered with the American Red Cross to assist in fundraising efforts aimed at helping those in need due to the devastation resulting from Hurricane Katrina. Univision Communications enlisted its entire platform of media outlets in order to reach out to all constituents interested in contributing to the fundraising efforts.

As part of the massive, multi-platform effort, the Univision Networks aired a special edition of Sabado Gigante, hosted by Don Francisco, which was simulcasted on the Univision and Galavisión Networks as well as RadioCadena Univision and was streamed on Univision.com on September 3, 2005.

Univision dedicated one hour of Sabado Gigante, from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET, to generate monetary donations for the American Red Cross emergency relief fund. Univision News anchor Jorge Ramos and Univision Radio personality Eddie “Piolín” Sotelo appeared with other Univision talent and representatives of the American Red Cross. The show included personal interest stories as well as reporters and interviews on-location from the Houston Astrodome, New Orleans and Mississippi. During this time and throughout the program, host Don Francisco directed viewers to a Spanish-language toll-free phone line (1-800-275-7575), hosted by the American Red Cross and dedicated to this cause.

“It is extremely important that we are able to provide our audience with an effective vehicle through which to lend support to the victims of Hurricane Katrina immediately, while the need is the greatest,” said Ray Rodriguez, President and Chief Operating Officer, Univision Communications Inc. “Combining the reach of Univision media with the dedication and outstanding leadership of the American Red Cross, we hope to be able to make a difference in the country’s critical hurricane relief efforts.”

“The American Red Cross is honored to join Univision in bringing this opportunity to the Hispanic population to help our friends and neighbors in need,” said Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Chairman of the American Red Cross. “Our mission to relieve suffering can only become a reality through the support and generosity of caring people.”